We have started asking Social Entrepreneur 10 questions to find out more about them, what they are motivated by and what they have learnt along the way.

This month we asked Rebecca Olsen, Founder of the Becoz Project 10 quick questions about her journey.

1) What do you do?

I am the Founder of the Becoz Project which is a business that builds confidence, self-esteem, resilience and physical wellbeing in teenagers.

The Becoz Project programs are built for young people by young people and goes into high-schools. It is not about new health messages – It is about delivering them in a way that engage and excite the audience.

2) What did you want to do when you were little?

I wanted to be a detective! I loved problem solving and was smashing through mystery books as soon as I could read.

3) What inspires you?

Watching people accomplish great things inspires me. There are some amazing young people in Australia who are doing great things. It is these people that keep me motivated and focused on my goals – even when times are a little tough.

4) If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

My business is all about building self-esteem in young people in order to give them the inspiration and confidence to follow their dreams and think outside the box. If everyone in the world was inspired to fix the problems they see and confident enough to try then what a different world we would live in today.

5) What motto best sums up your approach to life and work?

Work Hard, Play Hard.

Life is all about balance, having a business is great but it is important to balance that with quality time with your family and friends and the other things you love to do.

6) What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Back in 2009, after winning the 2009 Business Icon Competition, I sat down with one of my mentors Tracey Hodgkins to discuss how I was going to start my own business. In that meeting, she told me four things:

1)   Always follow your passion and your strengths in business.

2)   Manage your personal brand.

3)   Listen to the market – they will tell you what kind of product they want.

4)   Surround yourself with positive, experienced people.

That advice has been hugely valuable in building my business.

7) & the worst advice?

I have been very lucky to be surrounded with a supportive group of people – however there are always a few people who try to pull you down or push you in a ‘safer’ career direction. Starting a business is a big choice that requires commitment and hard work – but if you are willing to put that in and take the risk, don’t let people tell you that you can’t.

8 ) Who has been your best support?

I have a fantastic supportive family who have been my cheerleaders and sounding boards on every step of this roller coaster ride. I also have the most fantastic mentor – Tracey Hodgkins – who was not only my inspiration for starting the Becoz Project but has also given me a heap of her valuable time and knowledge to teach me how to do it.

9) Who’s your hero

With the big risk of sounding cliché – I would have to say my parents. They have both overcome tough circumstances to get to where they are today. They have taught both me and my sister to have good perspective, to follow our passion and to keep moving forward when times are tough.

10) Where can we see your work?

My website will be up this month so please check it out at www.becozproject.com.au. You can also find the Becoz Project on facebook or email rebecca@becozproject.com.au for more information on any of our school programs.

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Thanks Rebecca! if your a Social Entrepreneur in Western Australia we would love to hear from you and ask you the Social Entrepreneur 10, feel free to contact us.

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